The Tata Punch is one of the most popular subcompact SUVs in India, and it recently received a facelift that brought forth comprehensive updates inside and out. However, the Hyundai Exter remains a formidable rival to the Punch, so let’s see how their top-spec trims – SX(O) Connect and Accomplished+ S, respectively – compare on the value front.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim exterior features

Both subcompact SUVs are quite close here, but the Punch edges ahead thanks to the inclusion of important features such as fog lamps, cornering lights and rain-sensing wipers. The Punch’s alloy wheels are even an inch larger than those of the Exter.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim interior and features

On the inside, the Punch facelift trumps the Exter in several areas. Not only does the Punch offer larger displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Exter owners must purchase a separate adapter for the same) and a superior sound system, it even enhances the comfort and convenience factor via rear USB Type-C charging ports and armrests for both first- and second-row occupants – a conspicuous omission from the Exter.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim safety features

The outgoing Punch did not come equipped with 6 airbags as standard, which Tata has rectified with the facelifted model. This brings the Punch facelift up to par with the Exter in airbag count, and the former even offers additional safety tech like a 360-degree camera and a blind-spot monitor.

Moreover, Tata claims that the Punch facelift is engineered to secure a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, just like the prior model. The Exter, meanwhile, has no safety rating attributed to it.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim driving tech

The Punch facelift notably features a couple of drive modes, while the Exter gets none. Tata has even added paddle shifters to the Punch facelift to level the playing field with the Exter. Though not favourable at times, idle engine start/stop is available for Punch owners too, which can help save fuel during extended traffic stops. 

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim powertrains

Under the hood, the facelifted top-spec Punch affords way more choice to buyers than the Exter. You can have the Punch Accomplished+ S in petrol, turbo-petrol or CNG guise, while the Exter SX(O) Connect is available solely in petrol.

Both subcompact SUVs offer 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT options with their naturally aspirated petrol engines. The Punch offers its CNG powertrain with the AMT and the turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual. Not to mention, the Punch is more powerful than the Exter despite the latter’s engine sporting an extra cylinder.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim prices

Pricing is a win for the Punch facelift, with its top-spec trim starting at virtually the same price as that of the Exter. This is likely due to Hyundai mandatorily bundling the Knight Edition package (otherwise an optional extra worth Rs 13,500) with the Exter SX(O) Connect petrol-MT variant; the AMT version can be had sans the Knight Edition package.

Even so, the Punch Accomplished+ S petrol-AMT costs just Rs 19,000 more than the equivalent Exter variant, while the turbo-petrol MT configuration commands a Rs 44,000 premium. Not to mention, the Punch Accomplished+ S is sold in CNG-AMT guise too, with the Exter SX(O) Connect offering no equivalent powertrain.

Tata Punch facelift vs Hyundai Exter top trim: Which one should you buy?

Punch Accomplished+ S offers better value overall

Given its numerous feature advantages, stronger and more diverse powertrain offerings and competitive pricing, the Tata Punch facelift beats the Hyundai Exter on paper. It’s worth noting, though, that the Exter is also set to get a facelift in 2026, which could deliver stiffer competition to the updated Punch.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.